Camp Encourage

Affecting at least 1 in every 68 child by current United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, the instances of youth with ASD continues to grow, while the opportunities for inclusive and specialized recreational activities for them remains limited, especially in the greater Kansas City region. Needs that youth with ASD often present include: lack of self-esteem and self-understanding, decreased understanding of healthy lifestyles (many exercise little, have selective or restricted diets, or have side effects from medications), and delays or differences in social and emotional development. We have a goal to provide quality care while empowering those served with the support and life skills needed long after camp has ended. Specifically, it is our goal that campers: Increase skills of independence Increase personal self-esteem, self-understanding, and acceptance Increase social abilities Increase recreational skills Have an increased understanding of what healthy lifestyles entail Have a new/increased love